Men also experience menopause — doctors say silence is killing them

Medical experts are raising urgent awareness about andropause — the gradual decline of testosterone in men beginning as early as age 30 — warning that millions of Nigerian men are suffering in silence, misattributing symptoms to stress, aging or depression rather than seeking proper medical care.

According to The Sun,unlike menopause in women, andropause is slow and subtle, with testosterone declining approximately 1 to 1.6 per cent annually. Symptoms include fatigue, reduced libido, loss of muscle mass, increased belly fat, mood changes and weakened bones — yet most men never seek help.

“Men should not take andropause lightly. Seek medical help early and seek enlightenment from medical experts, not from your friends, family or neighbours,” urologist Abayomi Ogunbekun warned, while physician Olaoluwa Jegede cautioned against self-medicating with local herbs, calling it “complete ignorance.”

Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to physician-supervised Testosterone Replacement Therapy.